“That's irrelevant”: how to say it politely

Say this instead

1. 01

   I think that's a separate topic from what we're deciding today. Can we park it and come back to it after this?

   Coworker · Chat

   Use this in a live discussion when the point is real but off-topic, since it sets the point aside without dismissing it.

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2. 02

   I'm not seeing how this connects to the budget question. Could you explain the link so I can follow your thinking?

   Boss · Chat

   Asking for the link suits a boss or senior person when you doubt the relevance but want to stay respectful, because they get to make their case.

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3. 03

   Thanks for raising this. It falls outside the scope of this project, so I'd suggest we handle it separately and keep this review to the agreed deliverables.

   Client · Email

   Pointing to scope helps when a client raises work outside the agreement, since it cites the project instead of calling the point worthless.

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4. 04

   That detail doesn't change the result, so let's leave it out of the report and focus on the numbers that do affect it.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Explaining why the detail doesn't change the result works well when coaching someone you manage, because they learn what matters.

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5. 05

   I'd like to keep us on the launch date. That point doesn't affect it, so I suggest we leave it out of this decision and look at it afterwards if needed.

   Boss · Email

   Naming the launch date shows you are protecting the goal rather than ignoring the person, which helps keep a decision focused.

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6. 06

   The relocation question doesn't relate to this remote role, so I'd rather not go into it. I'm glad to talk through my experience for the position instead.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Declining politely and offering a relevant topic fits an interview question that strays from the job.

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7. 07

   Thanks for explaining. That doesn't affect how your refund is processed, so I'll stay focused on the order itself. Which item is the problem?

   Customer · SMS

   Moving straight to the order keeps a customer's message heading toward a fix when their extra details don't change the outcome.

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Examples

What to avoid

• Calling a person's contribution “irrelevant”, “pointless” or “who cares” stings, so describe how the point relates to the decision instead.
• Rolling your eyes or adding sarcasm in chat is risky, because tone is easy to misread in writing.
• Brushing the point aside with nothing else leaves people stuck, so say where it can be discussed or why it doesn't change the outcome.
• Opening with “with respect” or “no offense” before a dismissal rarely helps, since people hear what follows.

Related phrases

• What to say instead of “you're a people pleaser”→
• Saying “you're self-centered” at work→
• What to say instead of “this is your responsibility”→
• How to say “be nicer” professionally→
• “You're nitpicking”: how to say it politely→
• “I'm declining the interview”: how to say it politely→